Manufacturing filled cable

ABSTRACT

A filled telephone service cable which runs from a distribution cable to a subscribers&#39;&#39; premises or to a pay station is another link in a buried communications system having a water-resisting capability. A service cable is manufactured to include four individually insulated conductors constructed of a material having at least a predetermined yield strength twisted to form a spiralled quaded core. In order to impart water-resisting capability to the cable, the interstices between the conductors and between the conductors and a subsequently applied jacket are filled with a flame retardant water-resistant composition. The core, including the individually insulated conductors, is advanced into a bath of the waterproofing composition. The configuration of the core is changed as the conductors are advanced through the bath to permit substantially the entire periphery of the conductors to be exposed to the composition. Subsequently, the conductors are permitted to reform into the original core configuration with portions of the composition filling the interstices between the conductors. The reformation is facilitated by the changes in strain produced by the elastic recovery of the conductors. Excess composition is removed from the outwardly facing portions of the core as the core is advanced out of the bath.

United States Patent Hacker 1451 May 27, 1975 1 1 MANUFACTURING FILLEDCABLE [75] lnventor: Joseph Michael Hacker, Fallston,

[73] Assignee: Western Electric Company,

Incorporated, New York, NY.

[22] Filed: Aug. 15, 1973 {21] Appl. No.: 388,694

{52] US. Cl. 57/162; 29/624; 57/7; 57/164; 117/7; 118/44 [51] Int. Cl002g 3/36 [58] Field of Search 29/624, 461; 57/7, 35, 57/162, 164;156/48; 117/7, 8, 47 R, 34; 118/33, 44; 264/103 [56] References CitedUNITED STATES PATENTS 1,251,032 12/1917 Hoover 118/44 1,745,285 l/l930Whiffen 118/44 2,757,101 7/1956 Elling 118/44 X 2,763,563 9/1956Clougherty et al. 117/7 3,244,545 4/1966 Marzocchi et al, 1. 117/73,443,374 5/1969 Carnevale 1 57/162 X 3,695,027 10 1972 Copp 57/1623,779,844 12/1973 Dorsch 118/44 UX 3,791,132 2/1974 Schutz et a1. 57/164Primary Examiner-C. W. Lanham Assistant Examiner.loseph A. Walk-owskiAttorney, Agent, or Firm-E. W. Somers [5 7] ABSTRACT A filled telephoneservice cable which runs from a dis tribution cable to a subscriberspremises or to a pay station is another link in a buried communicationssystem having a water-resisting capability. A service cable ismanufactured to include four individually insulated conductorsconstructed of a material having at least a predetermined yield strengthtwisted to form a spiralled quaded core. in order to impartwaterresisting capability to the cable, the interstices be tween theconductors and between the conductors and a subsequently applied jacketare filled with a flame retardant water-resistant compositionv The core,including the individually insulated conductors, is advanced into a bathof the waterproofing composition. The configuration of the core ischanged as the conductors are advanced through the bath to permitsubstantially the entire periphery of the conductors to be exposed tothe composition. Subsequently, the conductors are permitted to reforminto the original core configuration with portions of the compositionfilling the interstices between the conductors. The reformation isfacilitated by the changes in strain produced by the elastic recovery ofthe conductors. Excess composition is removed from the outwardly facingportions of the core as the core is advanced out of the bath.

8 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEDMAYZ? I975 FIG. 2

MANUFACTURING FILLED CABLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field of theInvention This invention relates to methods which may be used formanufacturing filled cable, and more particularly, to manufacturing aspirally quaded cable in which the interstices between the individuallyinsulated conductors and between the conductors and any covering appliedthereover is filled with a waterproofing, flameretardant composition.

2. Description of the Prior Art It has been an objective in thetelecommunications industry to provide underground transmission mediafor various reasons. One of these, of course, is the aesthetic appealofthe absence of overhead lines. Another is the prevention ofdiscontinuity of service due to fallen trees, windstorms and the like.

Of course, the burial of transmission media poses several problems whichmust be overcome to make such a system feasible. One of these is theproblem of ingress of moisture into the buried cable with accompanyingloss of transmission characteristics. In order to overcome this. thecable must be designed to prevent or resist the ingress of moisture.

The last link in a buried loop plant includes a so called service wireor cable which extends from the distribution cable to a subscriberspremises or to a pay station. The service cable should be filled with awaterresistant composition and since the service cable extends tosubscribers premises, any waterproofing composition must also beflame-retardant A composition which is water-resistant and flameretardant for filling the interstices of a service cable is disclosedand claimed in an application filed of even date herewith in the namesof J. M. Hacker and E. S. Sauer, Ser. No. 388,695.

Generally, the service cable is constructed to include four individuallyinsulated conductors. The conductors preferably are twisted together.instead of in pairs, to form what is commonly referred to in the art asa spiralled. star-quad. The conductors are twisted about an imaginarylongitudinal axis with the resulting core con figuration including whatappears as a star-shaped central opening.

It has been found that the prior art does not adequately includemanufacturing methods for filling sub stantially the interstices, andmore specifically the central core space, in a quaded cable. The fillingof a quaded cable should be substantially complete in order to preventany moisture which penetrates the service cable from runninglongitudinally along any core space causing damage to the conductors ordiminution of the electrical characteristics thereof at various pointsalong the cable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention provides methods formanufacturing a filled cable. Specifically, the methods are used toproduce a quaded service cable in which there is a substantial fillingof the interstices of the cable including the central core spacethereof.

A plurality ofelongated members are stranded about a longitudinal centerline to form a core with each of the elongated members having at least apredetermined yield strength. The predetermined yield strength is statedin terms of a unit stress to which the elongated member is subjectedwill return to a certain percent of its original configuration when theload causing the stress is removed. The yield strength may be that of amaterial from which the conductive element of a single insulatedconductor which comprises an elongated member is constructed. Or theyield strength may be a composite of the materials from which a twistedconductor pair is constructed.

The stranded core is advanced through a bath of a composition. Forcesare applied to the core to (l) cause the core configuration to bechanged to expose portions of the elongated members which in the original configuration of the core are not exposed to the composition, andthen (2) permit the elongated members because of the elastic propertiesassociated with the yield strength thereof to be reformed into thestranded core and cause the interstices between the elongated members tobe filled substantially with the composition.

Excess composition is removed from the core to form a generallyregularly shaped contour of the composition about the core.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The various features of the inventionwill be more readily understood from the following detailed descriptionwhen read in conjunction with accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view ofa service cable which includes fourindividually insulated conductors and a waterproofing composition forfilling the interstices of the core between the conductors and betweenthe core and inner jacket, with the spacing between adjacent ones of theconductors being exaggerated for purposes of illustrating the coatingthereof with the composition;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus for carry ing out theprinciples of this invention which may be used to apply thewaterproofing composition to the service cable;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view ofa portion of the apparatus of FIG. 2showing an arrangement of rollers over which the service cable ispassed; and

FIGS. 4A-4C are a series of end views of the conductors which comprisethe cable core at various stages in the construction and fillingprocess.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a cable,designated generally by the numeral 10, which includes fourpolyethylene-insulated conductors ll1l. The four conductors 11-11 aretwisted together about a longitudinal axis 12 to form a spirally quadedcore, designated generally by the numeral 13 (see FIG. 4A). Theconductors 11-11 are arranged about the axis 12 so as to form a centralstarshaped opening 14 (see FIG. 4A). Because of the shape of the opening14, this con figuration cable is generally referred to as a starquadedcable.

In the presently used environment, the individual polyethylene-insulatedconductors ll-II are enclosed by an innerjacket 16 (see FIG. I) whichincludes a polyvinyl chloride constituent, a metallic microorganismshield 17 and an outer jacket I8. Prior to the jacketing of the core 13,the service cable 10 must have the interstices thereof, including thecentral opening 14, filled with a waterproofing composition 19 such asthat disclosed and claimed in the above-identified application filed oneven date herewith in the names of 1. M. hacker and E S. Sauer.

While the hcreinbcfore identified water-resistant. flame-retardantcomposition 1) is preferred, it should be understood that methodsembodying principles of this invention may be used in conjunction withother compositions for filling the interstices of the service cable 10.

By filling the interstices of the cable 10, protection is affordedagainst entry of water even if the cable were Sll'TUUl'lilCCl by waterand the jacket 18 and the shield 17 punctured by lightning or mechanicalmeans. The shield 17 intercepts and absorbs the lightning but may haveholes burned therein. Thus water can penetrate beyond the shield 17 butpenetrates radially and longitudinally. limited only by thewater-resistant effectiveness of the composition 19 filling theinterstices.

Manufacturing methods have not heretofore been available for fillingsubstantially the starquaded cable 10. Most of the difficulties arise inattempting to fill the central opening 14. The twisting of the fourconductors with a predetermined lay about the axis 12 causes the cpcning14 to be scaled almost hermetically. This has ;rc\cntcd the filling ofthe opening 14 in the past. It is known that at least some manufacturersof this type cable ignore filling the central opening 14. However shouldthe shield be punctured and water penetrate iito the opening 14, thewater would have a channel rtong which to fiow This could result inundesirable lasses in transmission characteristics of the cablev(ommonly used conductors are copper. aluminum, ind steel as well asalloys and combinations of these materials. Nloreoier. it is commonpractice to tin con doctors to aid in making solderjoints and nocomplications are introduced by this conventional procedure.

In the application ofthe methods of this invention for filling theinterstices of the cable 10, it is important that the mater-mi fromwhich the conductors is constructed have at icast a predetermined yieldstrength which causes the cure to tend to retain its initially formedconfiguration or to regain that configuration if delorrncd.

Increasing a stress above the elastic limit will cause a specimen of amaterial to elongate continually. The unit stress at which theelongation of the specimen reaches some arbitrarily specified value isreferred to as the yield strength of the material, In other words. theyield strength is the: unit stress at which a material exhibits adefinite limiting set. The set is expressed as a unit of deformation andthe limiting value is determined by the use of the material.

A yield strength of a material is generally quoted as a unit stress witha specified offset being stated as a percent This physical property ofthe materia indicates that the material subjected to the specified unitstress returns to only a specified associated percent of its originaiconfiguration when the load causing the stress is removed from thespecimen. Annealed copper has a j.ieid strength of llhtititl pounds persquare inch at 0.5 percent offset. Hence, a specimen constructed fromanncalcd copper will return to within 995 percent of its originalconfiguration when subjected to a stress of ltHltlt) pounds per squareinch.

The conductive elements comprising the core 13 and which are regroupedduring the filling process must rave at least a predetermined yieldstrength which has een found to he llLUUll pounds per square inch at 1J5percent offset. it is important to realize that if the rearrangement ofthe core 13 is with respect to individual conductors i11 1. as in thecase of the quaded cable 10. then the material of the individualconductors must have a yield strength of at least IU UUU pounds persquare inch at 0.5 percent offset. lfthe cable 10 is comprised ofindividually twisted pairs of conductors and the rearrangement occurs asamong the different pairs. then each pair must have a predeterminedyield strength in excess of 10.000 pounds per square inch at (1.5percent offset.

The elastic recovery of a given material and hence the spring-backcharacteristics thereof are proportional to the yield strength.Advantage is taken of the yield strength. to permit the conductors -11to spring back and reform the core 13 to its initial configurationfollowing the deformation of the core to allow exposure of generally allof the insulated conductor surface area to the waterproofingcomposition. Of course. care must be exercised during deformation so asnot to cause a permanent set to occur in the conductor material.

Each of the conductors 11-11 of the quaded core 13 herein is constructedof a steel core center eiad with copper and then insulated withpolyethyiene. It has been found that the composite copper-steelconstruction has a yield point in excess of 1011011 pounds per squareinch at 0.5 percent offset.

The four conductors 11-11 are twisted together about the axis 14 bymethods and apparatus well known in the art to have a right or left-handtwist of a predetermined lay. The resulting quaded core 13 has aconfiguration such as that shown in FIG. 4A.

Referring now to Fl( iv 2 there is shown an apparatus. designatedgenerally by the numeral 20, which may be used to further carry out theprinciples and methods of this invention. The apparatus 20 includes atank 21 for containing the composition 19 and having an entrance opening22. The opening 22 is sized to permit the core 13 of the cable 10 to beadvanced therethrough in a direction shown in F10. 2

Interior of the tank 21 are three spaced rollers 26, 27 and 28. Therollers are arranged as shown in FlGS. 2 and 3 and are mounted rotatablyon parallel axes within the tank 21. The core 13 of the service eabie 10is passed under the roller 26, up over and around the roller 27, andthen down under the roller 28. From there. the core 13 is advancedthrough a wiping die 29 and exits from the tank 21.

The construction of the rollers 26, 27 and 28 is im portant inpracticing the methods of this invention to produce a filled quadedcable It). Desirably, the rollers 26, 27 and 28 each have a diameter ofapproximately thrcefourths of an inch. The rollers are constructed witha polished steel surface so as not to damage the insulation of thecont'luctors 1I-11 as the conductors are advanced thcreover.

The arrangement of the rollers 26, 27 and 28 within the tank 21 is alsoimportant in order to avoid undue deformation of the conductors 11-11and to facilitate the changing of the core configuration and thesubsequent reforming thereof. The angle which each of the conductorsl]-11 makes with the horizontal. i.c. a line parallel to a line joiningthe centers of the rollers 26 and 27. when being passed from engagementwith the roiler 26 into engagement with the roller 27, or from theroller 27 to the roller 28, is defined herein as the angle of attack a,(see FIG. 3).

In order to determine an optimum arrangement, extensive experimentationof the positioning of the rollers with varied line tension wasconducted. Advantageously, it has been found that the preferred angle ofattack lies within the range of 20 to 70 (see FIG. 3). Morespecifically, the most preferred angle of attack has been found to beapproximately 30. The angle of attack is also important in permittingthe inherent spring-back characteristics of the conductors ll-ll tocause the regrouping of the conductors into a core following the coatingthereof.

If the angle of attack is greater than 70, the tension forces applied tothe conductors 11-11 becomes excessive and may tend to crush theinsulation. Also, an unduly high angle of attack may attach somedifficulty to the subsequent reforming of the core 13, since thematerial of the conductors "-11 may undergo a permanent set. If theangle of attack is less than 20, the engagement of the conductors 11-11with the surface of the roller 27 is less than that desired.

It should be noted that the tension in the manufacturing line isimportant in order to avoid deforming the conductors as the conductorsare advanced over the rollers 26, 27 and 28 in the coating tank 21. Ithas been found that an acceptable tension in the line is approximately15 to pounds as applied by a capstan (not shown).

The roller arrangement and coating bath combination may be used to coatsuccessive sections of the conductors 11-11 of the core 13 of theservice cable 10 provided that the conductors may be successfullyregrouped prior to exiting from the tank 21 from the wiping die 29. Inorder to accomplish this, the material from which the conductors ll11 isconstructed must have at least the predetermined yield strengthsuffciently high to permit the regrouping.

If the yield strength were not sufficiently high enough, the conductorsll11 would be supple as they are advanced over the rollers. In thatsituation, the initial configuration of the core 13 could be changedfrom that at the entrance die 22 to the tank 21. However, the conductors1l-11 could not then be reformed into the initial configuration (such asthat shown in FIG. 4A) prior to the exit die 29.

It should be understood that the term initial configuration" refers tothe shape of the core 13 formed by the conductors 11-11 and thepositioning of each of the conductors in the core relative to the otherconductors. The reformation of the conductors 11-11 into the initialconfiguration does not necessarily require that the orientation of thecross-section of the core 13 with respect to some coordinate axes systembe the same as that when the core was advanced into the tank 21.

The roller arrangement used in practicing the methods of this invention,coupled with the conductors being constructed from a material ofsufficient yield strength, allow the conductors 11-11 which have beenrearranged from the initial core configuration shown in FIG. 4A tounexpectedly spring back together as the conductors are advanced overthe rollers. The roller arrangement, the yield strength of the material,and the permanent cast of the conductors 11-11 which was acquired duringthe twisting of the quad, facilitates the regrouping of the conductors11-11 into the initial core configuration adjacent roller 28 prior toexiting from die 29.

The wiping die 29 is constructed so as to have an opening therethroughslightly greater than the outside diameter of the core of the servicecable 10. For example, looking at FIG. 1, the distance between outwardlyfacing surfaces of the insulation of opposed ones of the conductorsll-ll as measured along a line connecting their centers is approximately0.l45 inches. The size of the opening in the die 29 is approximatelcy 0.inches. This leaves a 2.5 mil thickness of the waterproofing composition19 around the quaded core 13 as the core is advanced through the wipingdie 29.

METHOD OF COATING THE CONDUCTORS In practising the methods of thisinvention, the core 13 comprising the conductors II-ll is advancedthrough the entrance die 22 into the tank 21 and then along a torturouspath into and then out of engagement with each of the rollers 26, 27 and28.

The configuration of the core 13 as initially twisted into a spiralledquad is that shown in FIG. 4A. As can be seen from FIG. 4A, it would notbe possible to fill the central opening 14 with the compositions 19 bymoving the core 13 in that configuration through a bath of thecomposition. In fact, because of the configuration shown in FIG. 4A, ithas been found that even pressure filling techniques with or withoutvacuum evacuation are not successful in filling the opening 14.

It should also be observed in FIG. 4A that the conductors ll-11 havebeen designated 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d, in a clockwise direction. Thisdesignation will become important in following the reorganization of theconductors 11-11 as they are advanced through the tank 21.

As the core 13 is advanced through the roller 26 and toward engagementwith the roller 27, the conductors 11-11 tend to become displaced fromthe so-called star-quad array of the core 13 being advanced into thetank 21. The conductors 11-11 are displaced into a general side-by-sidearrangement as shown in FIG. 4B as the conductors are passed over theroller 27.

It can also be observed from FIG. 45 that the position of the conductor11a has become displaced angularly as well as laterally from thatposition occupied in FIG. 4A. This is due to the twist of the quadedcore 13 and as the core is advanced through the tank 21, the coroe tendsto rotate in the direction of the twist lay.

This behavior is extremely important in applying a coating of thecomposition to the outer periphery of the conductors 11-11. Thisconstant reording of the conductors 1l11 causes the air therebetween inthe opening 14 to be pushed out and composition to be moved in. Asdisclosed in the above-identified application filed on even dateherewith in the names of .I. M. Hacker and E. s. Sauer, the composition19 tends to cling to the individually insulated conductors 11-11.

Then, as the conductors ll1l are further advanced in the tank 21 intoengagement with the roller 28, the conductors tend to spring back into aquaded configuration to reform generally the original core shape (seeFIG. 4C).

The reformed core 13 then is advanced through the exit die 29. The exitdie 29 wipes excess amounts of the composition 19 from the core 13 witha 2.5 mil coating of the composition remaining about the outsidesurfaces of the conductors 11-11 (see FIG. 4C). In this way, after theinner jacket 16 is extruded over the core 13, there is a layer of thewaterproofing composition 19 between the quaded core and the innerjacket to fur ther insure complete waterproofing of the service cableill. The wiping die 29 produces a smooth regularly shaped generallycircular outer contour of the coating composition 19 compatible with theinner jacket 16 to be extruded thereover.

Referring now to P16. 4C. it can be seen that the conductors ll-ll havebeen further displaced angularly. For example, the conductor designatedllu occupied what may be called a 12 oclock position as the core 13entered the tank 21 and a so-called 3 o'clock position when passing overthe roller 27. The conductor llu oc cupies generally a 9 oclock positionas the core exits from the tank 21.

ALTERNATIVE APPLICATIONS OF METHODS While the methods of this inventionappear ideally sulted to produce a waterproofed star-quaded servicecable 10. it should he realized that other cable may be produced therebyThe methods are equally applicable to waterproofing a ten conductor,five twisted pair, service cable (not shown).

The five pair conductor service cable (not shown) includes five twistedpairs of conductors. each conduc tor pair again being constructed ofamaterial or combi nation of materials having a total yield strength ofat least approximately 10,000 pounds per square inch at 0.5 percentoffset. This construction cable is generally manufactured with apredetermined lay with the five pairs stranded about the axis 12. Thisresults in an unstable configuration.

It has been found that as the five pair cable is advanced into, throughand out of the tank 21, and as the ccnductor pairs thereof are displacedand reformedinto a configuration for jacketing. the lay changes.However, the lay advantageously becomes a random la; along the length ofthe cable thereby tending to el-minate undesirable capacitancecharacteristics of the cable.

The use of copper conductors in the five pair cable does not detractfrom the spring-back feature of this process. Soft copper has a yieldstrength of approximately 10,000 pounds per square inch, at the lowerlimit of the specified range for this process. Moreover, the twist inthe individual pairs imparts to each pair a certain amount of permanentcast which is of assistance on the regrouping step of the process.

It is to be understood that the above described ar rangements are simplyillustrative of the invention. Other arrangements may be devised bythose skilled in the art which will embody the principles of theinvention to fall within the spirit and scope thereof.

1 claim:

1. A method of making a stranded core having the interstices thereoffilled with a composition, which includes the steps of:

stranding a plurality of elongated members about a longitudinal centerline to form a core, each of the elongated members having at least apredetermined yield strength;

advancing the stranded core through a bath ofa composition;

applying forces to the core to first cause the configuration of the coreto be changed to expose portions of the elongated members which in theoriginal configuration of the core are not exposed to the compositionand then to permit the elongated members because of the elasticproperties associated with the yield strength thereof to be reformedinto a stranded core and cause the interstices between the elongatedmembers to be filled substantially with the composition; and

removing excess composition from the reformed core to form a generallyregularly shaped contour of the composition about the core 2. A methodof making a cable core having the interstices thereof filled with acomposition, which includes the steps of:

stranding a plurality of insulated conductors about a longitudinalcenter line to form a core, each of the conductors having a conductiveelement thereof made from a material having at least a predeterminedyield strength;

advancing the stranded core through a bath of a composition;

applying forces to the core by directing the core into and out ofengagement with a plurality of prearranged surfaces within the bath tofirst cause the configuration of the core to be changed to exposeportions of the conductors which in the original configuration of thecore are not exposed to the composition and then to permit theconductors because of the elastic properties associated with the yieldstrength thereof to be reformed into a stranded core and cause theinterstices between the conductors to be filled substantially with thecomposition; and

removing excess composition from the reformed core to form a generallyregularly shaped contour of the composition about the core.

3. A method of making a quaded cable having the in terstices thereoffilled with a composition, which includes the steps of:

forming spirally a plurality of insulated conductors about alongitudinal center line, each of the conductors having a conductiveelement thereof made from a material having at least a predeterminedyield strength,

advancing the spirally quaded core through a bath of the composition;

directing the core into and then out of engagement with a plurality ofsurfaces within the bath to cause the configuration of the quaded coreto be changed to expose portions of the conductors which areinaccessible in the original configuration of the quaded core to thecomposition;

further directing the core into and then out of engagement with at leastone other surface such that the elasticity associated with thepredetermined yield strength of the material of which the conductors aremade causes the conductors to become reformed into the originalconfiguration of the quaded core; and

removing excess composition from the quaded core to form a generallyregularly shaped contour of the composition about the core. thereformation of the core and the subsequent removal therefrom of excessamounts of the composition causing the interstices thereof to be filledwith the composition.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the predetermined yield strength isl0,000 pounds per square inch at 0.5 percent offset.

9 l0 5. A method of applying a Waterproofing composiof the core and thesubsequent removal therefrom tion to a stranded core comprised of aplurality of elon- 0f the excess amounts of the composition causinggated members which includes the steps of: the interstices thereofto befilled with the composiadvancing the core through a bath of acomposition, tion.

which is to fill the interstices of the core and coat 5 6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the predetermined the exterior thereof, in apredetermined tortuous value of the yield strength is 10,000 pounds persquare path to first cause forces to he applied to the core inch at 0.5percent offset. to l change sequentially the configuration ofsuc' 7. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the core is adcessive sections of the core toexpose substantially vanced in a path into, and through the bath in theprethe entire periphery of each of the elongated mem- 1r determinedtortuous path and then in a path out of the bers to the composition andthen (2) to facilitate bath of the composition, the tortuous pathincluding a the reformation of the core because of the yield portion atsome predetermined angle to the path into strength of the material fromwhich the members the composition and a portion at some predetermined ismade being at least a predetermined value; and angle to the path out ofthe bath.

removing excess amounts of the composition from :5 8. The method ofelaim7, wherein the predetermined the reformed core to yield a core having aregularly angle lies in the range of 20 to 70. shaped envelope ofcomposition, the reformation

1. A method of making a stranded core having the interstices thereoffilled with a composition, which includes the steps of: stranding aplurality of elongated members about a longitudinal center line to forma core, each of the elongated members having at least a predeterminedyield strength; advancing the stranded core through a bath of acomposition; applying forces to the core to first cause theconfiguration of the core to be changed to expose portions of theelongated members which in the original configuration of the core arenot exposed to the composition and then to permit the elongated membersbecause of the elastic properties associated with the yield strengththereof to be reformed into a stranded core and cause the intersticesbetween the elongated members to be filled substantially with thecomposition; and removing excess composition from the reformed core toform a generally regularly shaped contour of the composition about thecore.
 2. A method of making a cable core having the interstices thereoffilled with a composition, which includes the steps of: stranding aplurality of insulated conductors about a longitudinal center line toform a core, each of the conductors having a conductive element thereofmade from a material having at least a predetermined yield strength;advancing the stranded core through a bath of a composition; applyingforces to the core by directing the core into and out of engagement witha plurality of prearranged surfaces within the bath to first cause theconfiguration of the core to be changed to expose portions of theconductors which in the original configuration of the core are notexposed to the composition and then to permit the conductors because ofthe elastic properties associated with the yield strength thereof to bereformed into a stranded core and cause the interstices between theconductors to be filled substantially with the composition; and removingexcess composition from the reformed core to form a generally regularlyshaped contour of the composition about the core.
 3. A method of makinga quaded cable having the interstices thereof filled with a composition,which includes the steps of: forming spirally a plurality of insulatedconductors about a longitudinal center line, each of the conductorshaving a conductive element thereof made from a material having at leasta predetermined yield strength; advancing the spirally quaded corethrough a bath of the composition; directing the core into and then outof engagement with a plurality of surfaces within the bath to cause theconfiguration of the quaded core to be changed to expose portions of theconductors which are inaccessible in the original configuration of thequaded cOre to the composition; further directing the core into and thenout of engagement with at least one other surface such that theelasticity associated with the predetermined yield strength of thematerial of which the conductors are made causes the conductors tobecome reformed into the original configuration of the quaded core; andremoving excess composition from the quaded core to form a generallyregularly shaped contour of the composition about the core, thereformation of the core and the subsequent removal therefrom of excessamounts of the composition causing the interstices thereof to be filledwith the composition.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein thepredetermined yield strength is 10,000 pounds per square inch at 0.5percent offset.
 5. A method of applying a waterproofing composition to astranded core comprised of a plurality of elongated members whichincludes the steps of: advancing the core through a bath of acomposition, which is to fill the interstices of the core and coat theexterior thereof, in a predetermined tortuous path to first cause forcesto be applied to the core to (1) change sequentially the configurationof successive sections of the core to expose substantially the entireperiphery of each of the elongated members to the composition and then(2) to facilitate the reformation of the core because of the yieldstrength of the material from which the members is made being at least apredetermined value; and removing excess amounts of the composition fromthe reformed core to yield a core having a regularly shaped envelope ofcomposition, the reformation of the core and the subsequent removaltherefrom of the excess amounts of the composition causing theinterstices thereof to be filled with the composition.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the predetermined value of the yield strength is 10,000pounds per square inch at 0.5 percent offset.
 7. The method of claim 5,wherein the core is advanced in a path into, and through the bath in thepredetermined tortuous path and then in a path out of the bath of thecomposition, the tortuous path including a portion at some predeterminedangle to the path into the composition and a portion at somepredetermined angle to the path out of the bath.
 8. The method of claim7, wherein the predetermined angle lies in the range of 20* to 70*.